The Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC) is a comprehensive cancer research center dedicated to conduct research and drive innovation in the epidemiological, preventive, clinical, translational, and basic aspects of leukaemia and other hematologic malignancies, with the final aim of finding a cure for these diseases. It was created in 2010, and since then has experienced an exponential growth.

The IJC is also part of the network of Excellence Research Centers of Catalonia (CERCA) and was accredited as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities in 2024. Since 2018, the Institute has also been accredited by the Scientific Foundation of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (FCAECC) Additionally, IJC is one of the centers integrated into the Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP) accreditation as Accredited Health Research Institute (IIS) by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).

The IJC's main headquarters is located within the Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, alongside other leading biomedical institutions, providing direct access to cutting-edge scientific and technological facilities, as well as complementary community services. The IJC has six locations integrated into reference hospitals: Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital Clínic, Hospital Sant Pau, Hospital Josep Trueta, Hospital del Mar and Hospital San Joan de Déu. This facilitates close collaboration between basic and clinical researchers, fostering translational research that integrates basic science with clinical practice in clinical settings.

The Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC) invites applications for three Principal Investigator / Group Leader positions to establish independent research groups within the newly created Pediatric Hematologic Malignancies Research Program, a joint initiative between the IJC and the Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD) at the IJC-Sant Joan de Déu Campus in Barcelona. This initiative represents a major strategic investment in pediatric blood cancer research, aiming to build a multidisciplinary program that integrates cutting-edge basic science, translational research, and clinical innovation. The successful candidates will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment with strong links to leading pediatric oncology clinicians and access to unique patient cohorts and research infrastructures.

RESEARCH DESCRIPTION

Researchers recruited through this call will play a key role in shaping the scientific vision of the program, contributing to the development of an excellent research hub dedicated to improving outcomes for children with hematologic malignancies. This initiative aims to establish a world-class multidisciplinary research program dedicated to advancing the biological understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric hematologic malignancies. By combining the internationally recognized expertise of IJC in blood cancer research with the clinical excellence and translational ecosystem of SJD, the program will create a unique environment that bridges fundamental discovery, translational research, and clinical innovation.

We welcome candidates working across a broad range of relevant areas, including but not limited to:

• Blood cancer biology covering etiology, cell-of-origin, pathophysiology and resistance.

• Hematopoiesis and bone marrow niche in health and disease.

• Immunology and immunotherapy.

• Innovative therapeutics for pediatric blood cancers.

• AI-integrated research to advance patient stratification and predict resistance.

WHAT WE NEED

We seek outstanding early- to mid-career laboratory or clinical scientists working in pediatric hematologic malignancies or related fields. Applicants should have:

• A PhD in Medicine, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.

• A strong track record of publications in leading peer-reviewed journals.

• Evidence of scientific independence, including competitive research funding.

• Experience in leading and mentoring research teams.

• International exposure to competitive research environments.

• Experience in clinical management and/or innovation, technology transfer, and intellectual property will be considered an advantage.

WHAT WE OFFER

Successful candidates will receive:

• A Group Leader position for 5 years, subject to yearly evaluations. The GL can transition to a tenure position by following a formal scientific evaluation by the end of this period, subject to availability of a permanent position.

• A competitive start-up package, including personnel funding and dedicated laboratory space for a research team of 4–6 members.

• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities at IJC and SJD campuses, including single-cell OMICs, proteomics, multi-dimensional flow cytometry and cell sorting, animal facility, cell & molecular laboratories, microscopy, clinical research & GMP cell therapy units.

• Integration into a highly collaborative research environment.

• Direct interaction with clinical programs in pediatric oncology, enabling strong translational research.

The research program is in Barcelona, within Catalonia’s BioRegion, one of Europe’s leading biomedical innovation ecosystems and a major hub for oncology clinical research.

Research groups will be embedded within the Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona (PCCB), a state-of-the-art facility integrating pediatric oncology care, biomedical research, and innovation. This environment enables close interaction between basic scientists, translational researchers, and clinician-scientists, facilitating collaborative research that directly addresses the clinical challenges of pediatric blood cancers and accelerates the translation of scientific discoveries into improved patient care.